Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesian authorities announced today that the death toll from floods and landslides that struck the western island of Sumatra about two weeks ago has exceeded 1,000, reaching 1,003 people.
An official statement said that search and rescue efforts are still ongoing, with 218 other people still missing.
Cyclone Sinyar and the human catastrophe
These devastating floods began in late November 2025, the result of a rare tropical cyclone called Senyar, which formed in the Strait of Malacca, bringing days of torrential rain.
The disaster injured more than 5,400 people and displaced approximately 1.2 million from their homes.
The disaster destroyed thousands of homes, bridges and roads, affecting millions of people.
Human factors exacerbate the disaster
Reports indicate that human factors have exacerbated the landslides, primarily illegal deforestation and mining activities. The felled trees have become what have been described as destructive “shells” carried by rapid water flows, further amplifying the devastation.
Relief and recovery efforts
Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing, despite the difficulties caused by blocked roads and lingering rain that are hindering access to the affected areas.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited the affected areas, stressing the government’s commitment to meeting the basic needs of those affected.
The government estimated the costs of recovery and reconstruction at more than US$3 billion.
To address human-caused issues, the government announced the cancellation of licenses for companies linked to illegal deforestation activities.
